ISSUE 26 DECEMBER 2008

Live exercises Maru & SAREX

4

Safe Ship Management updates

6

Oil spill response NZ’s On-Scene Commanders

8

Seabird mitigation Measures and vessel stability

9

Improving river safety Make the Guidelines and training switch to 406 10 ISSUE 26

DECEMBER 2008 “Make the With the end of the year in sight, it’s timely to refl ect on developments over the A critically injured hunter rescued after last year, and look ahead to some of the activating his 406 Megahertz (MHz) work planned by Maritime New Zealand emergency locator beacon says he is (MNZ) in 2009. “living testament” to the effectiveness of the life-saving device. Government approval to increase the Marine Safety Charge paid by most commercial vessel operators and lift seafarer Mosgiel hunter John Adams was deer-stalking alone in licensing and vessel registration rates after many years without the Nitz Creek area of Fiordland in April when he slipped change, represents a signifi cant step for MNZ. While we and fell, landing chest fi rst onto a log, cracking several acknowledge no-one likes facing increased charges, the reality ribs and puncturing a lung. was that the fees and charges being collected by MNZ – some “Initially I thought things weren’t too bad, and with a spell of which had not been altered for 18 years – were no longer and a drink, I would be okay, but I had severe pain in the adequate to cover the cost of providing various critical safety left side of my chest and ribs. After a spell of 30 minutes, services to the maritime industry (see fuller story in this issue). I tried to put my pack on and descend to the valley As always, it has been disappointing and saddening to see fl oor…it was at that stage I started having numerous fatalities for the year so far across the maritime problems and also blood in my urine, and realised for the sector. It is a sobering reminder of the need for all of us to fi rst time that I was in serious trouble.” take responsibility for safety on the water – and of the ongoing Unbeknown to John, his lungs had begun fi lling with commitment and leadership MNZ needs to show in continuing blood from the injury, which if left untreated, would to improve maritime safety. be fatal. On a more positive note, the review of the Safe Ship “Even though it was a lovely warm day, my body was Management (SSM) system is making good progress. The beginning to shiver and shake, and breathing was creation of a new general manager position with responsibility becoming increasingly diffi cult. I knew my condition for SSM and the recent appointments of a technical advisor was fast deteriorating.” to assist SSM surveyors and a technical trainer (see story this issue) to help operators better understand the system is an Lighting a fi re to keep himself warm and help alert exciting step. However, it’s clear we still have some work ahead rescuers, John activated his new 406 MHz personal of us, so SSM will continue to be a priority for 2009. locator beacon – a recent gift from his daughters. MNZ will also be continuing its range of work “As I sat there watching the (beacon) strobe light…for the across other areas next year. This includes fi rst time in my life after many years of hunting alone, I felt an increased focus on seafarer licensing truly alone, and the only thing between me and my maker and qualifi cations, and ongoing reviews was that little beacon…” of maritime rules. Meanwhile, hundreds of kilometres away in Wellington, Our “Stay on Top with Communications John’s beacon signal was being detected by a team of Equipment” television commercials will Search and Rescue Offi cers at the Rescue Coordination continue to screen over the summer. Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), who swung into action These are part our public awareness and began a rescue mission. campaign aimed at recreational boaties. Together with our recreational Thanks to the beacon’s registration details being up to boating safety partners around date, a call to John’s wife confi rmed his location and the country, we will continue to the fact that the experienced bushman would only set push the four key messages: off his beacon if in real trouble. RCCNZ then tasked wear your lifejacket, carry at Te Anau’s Southern Lakes helicopters to fl y to the least two reliable forms of area and begin a search, using direction-fi nding communication, check the equipment to home in on the beacon’s signal. weather before you go out, “When I heard the noise of the (rescue) chopper and avoid alcohol. coming up the valley, and hovering directly above On behalf of all of us at me, it’s a feeling I will never forget,” John says. MNZ, I wish everyone a “When Frank (the helicopter winchman) came down safe, happy and relaxing through the canopy, words cannot express how I felt.” holiday season. John was then fl own to hospital, where it was Catherine Taylor revealed he had three broken ribs and a badly Director of Maritime New Zealand “John’s story not only highlights the value of carrying an emergency beacon, but is also a critical 3 reminder of the need … to make the switch to the newer 406 MHz type before February 2009.” COVER STORY switch to 406” punctured lung. He was operated on immediately, and his More information on emergency condition was successfully stabilised. beacons is available from: “The surgeon told me how lucky I was, saying that the reason beacons.org.nz or by contacting I could not breathe was that the lung cavity was fi lling with RCCNZ on freephone 0800 406 111 blood, causing me to slowly suffocate – and that I would have or 0508 406 111. died in the next 24 hours without treatment.” John says without the “actions and bravery” of his rescuers, and the aid of the beacon, he was “a goner for sure”. RCCNZ’s Group Manager, Nigel Clifford, says John is one of many people whose lives have been saved thanks to carrying the beacons. “John’s story not only highlights the value of carrying an emergency beacon, but is also a critical reminder of the need What do I do with my for people with older style beacons which operate on the old 121.5 or 243 MHz 121.5 frequency to make the switch to the newer 406 MHz type before February 2009. This is because beacons on beacon? the 121.5 MHz frequency will no longer be detected by international satellite systems from that date.” From 1 February 2009, old style 121.5 MHz Nigel says the beauty of the 406 MHz beacon is that it can and 243 MHz frequency emergency locator usually be picked up within minutes, depending on geography and other factors, which means that a rescue plan can be beacons will no longer be detected by developed more quickly. satellite. This means if you have not replaced “The 406 MHz variety of beacon has several major advantages your beacon with the newer 406 MHz variety, over the old technology, in much the same way that new digital electronic equipment is superior to the old analogue gear. This we will not be able to rescue you. includes a generally quicker detection time, more accurate • It’s important to dispose of your old 121.5 or 243 MHz positional data and the ability to link each beacon’s unique emergency beacon properly. If you don’t, it could still be identifi cation number to a registered owner. accidentally activated, causing an unnecessary search “A key point is that if the 406 MHz beacon is registered with and rescue operation. us and the ownership details are kept up to date – just like in • Old beacons need to have their battery disconnected John’s case – we can make contact with family or friends and then be disposed of in accordance with local and gather important information about the beacon’s regulations, as many contain hazardous materials. owner, which can greatly assist us in planning a rescue mission. Beacon registration doesn’t cost a thing and • You can dispose of your old beacon by: simply involves getting in touch with us and fi lling out a registration form,” Nigel says. – contacting the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) on 0800 406 111 to fi nd out “The other big advantage of the 406 MHz beacon your nearest beacon disposal centre, or by sending is that if it is a model fi tted with GPS, this provides it in to RCCNZ rescuers with even more accurate positional information which can greatly assist us in a search.” – handing it in to your nearest Police station Nigel says a key reason for the phasing out of the – taking it in to the beacon retailer when you purchase old 121.5 MHz beacons is because the frequency is your 406 MHz beacon very prone to interference, with about 90 per cent of – visiting your local beacon retailer and handing it in for the beacon alerts false alarms. This can put a strain disposal. For a list of suppliers who can help dispose on resources and take up valuable time that is better of your old beacon safely, visit: www.beacons.org.nz. spent on genuine search and rescue activity. Some of these suppliers may also offer trade-in deals. However, he says it is also essential that the old • DO NOT THROW YOUR OLD BEACON AWAY – this may beacons be disposed of properly. lead to a helicopter search of your nearest landfi ll! “It’s simply not enough to just throw out your old • Finally, REMEMBER to register your new 406 MHz beacon – the battery needs to be removed and the emergency beacon with RCCNZ. This is FREE and beacon deactivated – otherwise this can result in provides rescue agencies with critical information which the beacon remaining active, and RCCNZ having to waste may help to save your life in the event of an emergency. valuable time tracking it down. 4 SEARCH AND RESCUE

RCCNZ Training Manager Rodney Bracefi eld said the exercise Live exercise tests had taken more than a year to organise and could not have happened without the support of many different organisations. search and rescue “The SAREX marks the fi rst time a large-scale live exercise has been held in more than a decade, and the fi rst time one response has been run since RCCNZ was established in 2004. A huge thank you goes to all who were involved and who supported Organisers of a live search and rescue the exercise. In particular, we acknowledge the tremendous exercise (SAREX) held in the Wellington contribution made by Strait Shipping, without whose support Harbour area recently say the operation the exercise would not have been possible.” was a valuable experience for everyone He said RCCNZ aimed to hold similar exercises annually. involved in marine safety.

The SAREX involved more than 100 search and rescue responders who sprang into action after being told a large vessel had foundered near Worser Bay. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) coordinated the SAREX, which also involved Police, Coastguard, Ambulance, Wellington Airport, Centreport, Wellington Harbourmaster, Strait Shipping and rescue helicopter services. The exercise aimed to test search and rescue agencies’ preparation for a marine emergency anywhere in New Zealand waters, involving any type of large vessel. The scenario involved helicopters and rescue boats converging on the scene to “rescue” injured passengers from the “stricken” Search and rescue agencies in Wellington were given a valuable test during a recent live exercise. Photo: Courtesy Life Flight Trust. vessel and from the water.

MNZ role in major security exercise Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) was among agencies to take part in one of the country’s most signifi cant multi-agency and multi-national maritime exercises recently.

During the week of 12-19 September, New Zealand hosted MNZ General Manager of Security, Renny Vandervelde, said Exercise Maru, an international Proliferation Security Initiative the exercise had been a valuable experience for the MNZ staff (PSI) Exercise. The PSI is an international initiative under who took part. which participating countries cooperate, in accordance with “This is the fi rst time New Zealand has hosted a PSI exercise international law, to prevent and disrupt illicit shipments of and, although not without its moments, the exercise weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, coordinators received much praise for the planning and and related materials. conduct of a very detailed and challenging exercise. Exercise Maru was widely considered to have been valuable in terms of progressing the aims of the PSI, and in building international links that will assist us when we are required to deal with a live proliferation event.” Almost 2 years in the planning, and led by the New Zealand Customs Service, the Auckland-based exercise saw delegates (including law enforcement, coast guard and military offi cers) from more than 20 countries participate in a live exercise, a tabletop exercise and plenary discussions. Ten New Zealand agencies, including MNZ, the New Zealand Defence (NZDF), Ports of Auckland, Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade took part. Two members from MNZ’s Maritime Security Team represented the organisation in the exercise, one in the A boarding party prepares to intercept a vessel carrying tabletop exercise response team, and the other as a Liaison components of “weapons of mass destruction” as part of Exercise Offi cer in Exercise Control. Maru. Photo: Courtesy Royal New Zealand Airforce. 5

Changes to maritime fees and charges

New charges for providing essential safety services and other activities Clarifi cation of which benefi t the maritime sector have passenger and charter been introduced, following Government vessel charges approval of changes to the marine safety Some commercial vessel operators are unsure of how the charge (MSC), ship registration and new Marine Safety Charge (MSC) – which came into effect seafarer licensing rates. on 1 December 2008 – and some other MNZ fees may apply to them. Cabinet has given approval to Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) to change the way it collects the MSC from 1 December 2008, Passenger vessels which apart from an adjustment for foreign vessels in 2005, has not been updated since its introduction in 1990. In most, New Zealand charter boats and smaller passenger vessels but not all cases, this will mean an increase in the MSC paid within the Safe Ship Management (SSM) system, which by vessel operators. Similarly, MNZ’s fees for seafarer licensing carry fewer than 12 passengers, are less than 45m in and ship registration have remained at levels for the last length, and which do not proceed beyond restricted limits 8 years, so have also been increased as of 1 November 2008. or embark on an international voyage, are NOT classed as passenger vessels under the new MSC rates. These “The revenue obtained through the MSC is used by MNZ vessels instead fall under the “other” category in the MSC to fund a wide range of maritime safety, monitoring and regulations as per the table below. The “passenger ship” compliance services that benefi t the maritime sector. This category in the MSC is for large passenger ships which do includes the maintenance of important services critical to not fall under SSM. vessel safety, such as aids to navigation, the distress network, investigation of maritime accidents, oversight of Any commercial Greater of – Greater of – the Safe Ship Management system, and improving safety ship or a) $18.25 a) $18.75 education and awareness,” says MNZ General Manager of commercial river multiplied by multiplied by Corporate Services, Trevor Coad. raft not included the overall the overall in any other “Because the MSC has remained unchanged for almost length of length of category 20 years, and registration and licensing fees unchanged for the ship in the ship in almost 10 years, they no longer take into account the true metres metres cost of MNZ providing these important services to the maritime sector.” b) $5.47 per b) $5.63 per unit of gross unit of gross Introduction of the new charges follows a lengthy consultation tonnage of tonnage of period with industry, which began in December 2007 with the ship the ship the release of a discussion document outlining the proposed changes. Feedback from industry groups and other representatives from the maritime sector was also considered Seafarer licensing by MNZ. The new charges are payable when seafarers apply for a new licence or certifi cate, or when they seek to renew or Seafarer licensing and ship registration rates were also revalidate their license or certifi cate. The new fee schedule increased on 1 November. Mr Coad says while individual for licenses is being phased in over a 2-year period, with the fees vary depending on the type of documentation required, fi rst part-increase starting from 1 November 2008, and a increases to both rates will be capped at maximum of 100 per second part-increase from 1 July next year. cent for the 2008/09 year and capped at 20 per cent for the 2009/10 year. Those applying for recognition of foreign non-STCW certifi cates will be assessed for the issue of the equivalent All the increases are being phased in over a 2-year period. New Zealand certifi cate. They will therefore pay the same “The intent of the new charges is to more fairly refl ect the costs fee for the issue of that New Zealand maritime document as faced by MNZ to provide these safety-related services to the set out in the relevant schedule of the regulations. industry, not to create hardship for vessel operators. It also aims to address some of the inconsistencies created by the previous MSC structure, which was based on a ‘one size fi ts all’ approach and did not take into account the true carrying capacity of different vessels, or the higher risks and benefi ts that particular types of vessel activity generate.” More detailed information about the new charges is available at: www.maritimenz.govt.nz Safe Ship MANAGEMENT REVIEW

New roles support SSM delivery Safe Ship Management (SSM) company surveyors and vessel operators are to receive additional support with the creation of two new specialist roles by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ).

MNZ Manager of Safety Management Systems, Arthur Jobard, compliance. But because there’s no enforcement part to my says the decision to create the new roles of Technical Advisor new role, people don’t need to be nervous, as this is about us Marine Surveying, and Technical Trainer, has arisen out of helping them,” he says. MNZ’s ongoing review of the SSM system. A key part of Darren’s role will be to run a series of workshops “The role of the Technical Advisor is to provide support and round the country on health and safety and SSM manual mentoring for SSM surveyors in their survey work on board customisation, so that vessel operators can work out how vessels, with the aim being to help ensure consistency of to make the system work most effectively for them. Some standards across the board. Meanwhile, the Technical Trainer’s workshops have already begun and will continue from January role is purely educational and focuses on helping to improve all next year. commercial operators’ understanding of the SSM system and “I hope to be able to help as many people as I can to better how they can get the best out of it,” Arthur says. understand the system and make it easy.” The Technical Advisor’s role has been fi lled by former MNZ Lyttelton Maritime Safety Inspector and career mariner Ken Wyatt, and the Technical Trainer’s role by experienced commercial fi sherman and industry safety advocate Darren Guard. Says Ken: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside SSM surveyors, boat builders and vessel owners as part of MNZ’s commitment to ongoing improvement of the SSM system. The new role provides an opportunity to work right across the industry and in ports and marinas all over the country, and hopefully to make a positive difference by improving safety across the board.” Meanwhile, Darren believes his experience at the “coal face” as a vessel operator and fi shing company director will stand him in good stead to help others better understand and get the best out of the SSM system. Former MNZ Lyttelton Maritime Safety Inspector and career mariner Ken Wyatt (left) is MNZ’s new Technical Advisor Marine “With my background I understand the of running Surveying, while experienced commercial fi sherman and industry a small vessel and how hard it can be to balance viability with safety advocate Darren Guard is MNZ’s new Technical Trainer.

While the Safe Ship Management (SSM) system provides Increased focus on safety management plans tailored specifi cally to individual commercial vessels, safe operational plans (SOPs) cover an safe operational plans operator who may be operating a number of vessels. The SOPs broadly cover jetboats and rafts carrying passengers on rivers, under 6m fi shing boats, and under 6m dive boats. As part of its ongoing review of General Manager Maritime Safety Systems, Sharyn Forsyth, safety management systems, says the focus on SOPs is timely as MNZ moves ahead with its Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is review of the SSM system. turning its attention to safe operational “With the huge amount of work that is going into reviewing SSM, it’s appropriate that we also turn our attention to plans which cover a number of types ensuring that the SOPs are consistent with the vision we have of commercial vessels. for the SSM system,” Sharyn says. 7

“Depending on the complexity of the application and the type of documentation being sought, the process from initiation Certifi cation to issue of the certifi cate can sometimes take a considerable amount of time. This will generally include successfully process completing vessel survey and audit requirements, along with time for SSM companies and MNZ to check all documentation for compliance. Operators therefore need to have realistic strengthened expectations and should allow plenty of time within which to renew or apply for the necessary maritime documents. Vessel operators applying for or “There have been a number of recent occasions where renewing SSM certifi cates are being operators seeking SSM documentation have expected their applications to be processed within a few days, which is simply urged to factor in adequate time for not reasonable or realistic given the extensive nature of the their new certifi cation to be completed. checks that are required to be completed,” Sharyn says. “The control of issue of SSM certifi cates is perhaps the The Director of Maritime MNZ issues all Safe Ship Management most essential step to ensure that vessels are safe and that (SSM) certifi cates, following a review of documentation operators are well-placed to maintain that level of safety in their forwarded to it by a vessel operator’s SSM company upon shipboard operations. If we can be assured that everyone is completion of surveys and audits. “This means operators need starting with their boats safe, and with clear expectations as to factor in adequate time for all requirements to be met, and to how the operation will be carried out in a safe and effective their SSM documentation to be processed and signed off by manner, we should see reductions in accidents and injuries MNZ,” says General Manager Maritime Safety Systems, over time.” Sharyn Forsyth. Says Sharyn: “MNZ is also taking a fi rmer line with operators “Operators are also reminded that as of 1 September 2008, seeking exemptions from holding an SSM certifi cate, which all applicants for SSM certifi cates, or those who oversee SSM will in future only be granted where exceptional circumstances operations, are required to undergo fi t and proper person can be proved. We are therefore urging those operators who checks to ensure they are a suitable person to undertake this know their certifi cates are going to expire to ensure they plan responsibility. This is similar to the checks currently undertaken well ahead, because they cannot operate without a valid SSM of applicants for seafarer licences. Body corporates making certifi cate. This in particular applies to those needing to book applications must also identify exactly who will exercise control their vessels in for out of water surveys, as there is currently over the privileges of the SSM certifi cate in their application,” on slipway availability in many areas.” Sharyn says.

“This includes having clear standards that are consistently this duty falls to MNZ employees). Authorisation for diving and followed by operators, having competent oversight of the fi shing activities falls to industry representatives appointed by system and ensuring that operators are aware of their roles the Director of MNZ. and responsibilities. It’s also important there is an independent “MNZ has been working with the various authorised persons audit process and that there is consistent monitoring and to ensure that the principles and vision for safety management compliance within the system.” systems, initially developed through the review of SSM, is Under the SOP system, operators are also required to be applied consistently across the SOP system as well,” Sharyn inspected and audited by “Authorised Persons” rather than says. “We will be continuing to work with these authorised SSM companies, to ensure they are compliant with safety people and with the wider industry sectors to ensure everyone standards. Authorised persons operate under delegation from is aware of what they need to do to continue to operate safely the Director of MNZ and act on her behalf. (Jetboats and rafts and in compliance with the regulatory requirements.” are treated slightly differently, with oversight in Queenstown falling to the Harbourmaster, while for the rest of New Zealand, 8 ENVIRONMENT

(From left to right) Nick Quinn, Ian Niblock, Alex van Wijngaarden, John Dickinson, Neil Rowarth and Rob Service make up the National On-Scene Commander’s team, set up to coordinate the NZ’s national oil response to any major oil spill in New Zealand waters. spill response Alex has been a regional On-Scene Commander for Marlborough since 1995 and an alternate National On-Scene Commander since 1996. In that time he has been involved in various spill response operations, including the Dong Won commanders 529, Jodie F Millennium and Sea Fresh. What do a former Navy explosives expert Nick Quinn and an ex-marine advisor in the Middle Nick joined MPRS in 2004 after a 22 year career in the East have in common? Royal New Zealand Navy. His specialist area was as a Mine Clearance Diving Offi cer, with 14 years spent focusing on They are among the members of Maritime New Zealand’s explosives operations, demolitions and – (MNZ) six-strong National On-Scene Commanders (NOSC) including a 10 year stint with the New Zealand national team, which is set up to lead and coordinate the response to bomb team. any large-scale oil spill within New Zealand’s waters. The team is supported by MNZ’s Marine Pollution Response Service He was also seconded to the Royal Malaysian Navy, spent (MPRS), which provides leadership and overall coordination service time with the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy and of oil spill response training in New Zealand. United States Navy and commanded several New Zealand ships. Nick completed his career in the rank of Commander. Members of the team, who are appointed by the Director of MNZ, have a wide range of statutory powers, and are the only people with the authority to declare a “Tier 3” national Neil Rowarth level response to an oil spill. This includes any large spill in Neil joined MPRS in 2000, and is currently its Operations New Zealand waters out to the 200 mile limit of the exclusive Manager. His career has been extremely varied, ranging from economic zone. Smaller, more localised “Tier 2” spills are non-destructive metal testing in Queensland to captaining a handled by local territorial authorities. in the Pacifi c. “The six NOSC’s – comprising MNZ and regional council After 8 years at sea, Neil joined the Auckland Harbourmaster’s employees – are chosen for their extensive experience, team where oil spill response and planning was one of his expertise and ability across the maritime sector,” says MPRS key responsibilities. During the last 8 years, Neil has been Manager of Planning and Training, Rob Service, also one of actively involved in all areas of MPRS including, planning, the commanders. training and exercising. “Among the more signifi cant spills the team members have been involved in include the Dong Won 529, the Jody F Rob Service Millennium and the Tai Ping,” Rob says. “Where called upon, we also provide support in other countries’ spill responses, Rob joined MPRS 8 years ago as its Training and Exercise such as the grounding of the Pasha Bulker off the Australian Co-ordinator, after several years with the Department of Coast in June 2007.” Conservation (DoC) as Auckland Area Manager. The DoC role included a signifi cant maritime element with responsibility for marine reserves, the Inner Hauraki Gulf Islands, and a boats Ian Niblock operation servicing the Gulf Islands and beyond. Ian’s sea-going career began in the 1970s as an apprentice Rob has also worked with the New Zealand Fire Service pilot in Liverpool. He has sailed on a range of vessels, including and had a parallel part-time 25-year career in the general cargo, bulk carriers, very large crude carriers and New Zealand Army. refrigerated container ships. He obtained his Master Foreign Going certifi cate in New Zealand in 1988 and was employed as a harbour pilot at Tauranga, where he cleaned up his fi rst John Dickinson marine oil spill during the same year. John began his maritime career at 16 with the British Merchant Currently Regional Harbourmaster for Northland Regional Navy. After transferring and serving on passenger ships and Council, Ian has retained his link to the national response refrigerated cargo ships trading to New Zealand John went on system as a member of the NOSC team. He has responded to work on various international cargo and container ships. His to a diverse range of maritime incidents, including numerous experience has also included stints on the high speed Boeing marine oil spills in the Northland area. Jetfoil service from London to Belgium, as a master on supply ships and oil well test/fl are vessels in the Persian Gulf, and as a “Marine Advisor” on gas projects in the Middle East. Alex van Wijngaarden John has been Deputy Harbourmaster in Wellington and Alex has been Marlborough’s Harbourmaster since 1994 after Harbourmaster in Tauranga and he now heads up MNZ’s 25 years at sea. During his sea-going career, he served in a licensing team and is its dangerous goods adviser. variety of roles on tankers, refrigerated cargo, general cargo, passenger and container ships in a number of companies and gained his fi rst command at age 27. HEALTH AND SAFETY 9

Seabird mitigation measures and vessel stability Photo: Courtesy of John Cleal Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is among MNZ worked with MFish and vessel operators in a series of workshops to develop a process and criteria for assessing and agencies currently working to develop granting exemptions for cases when a vessel’s safety would alternative measures to mitigate the risk have been compromised. of seabird bycatch during commercial In the lead up to the scheduled implementation date, it became clear this would not be possible within the timeframe available, fi shing operations. and the Minister of Fisheries agreed to revoke the Gazette Notice to allow for further work to be undertaken. The move follows recent debate over offal retention on board trawlers and the potential impact of this on vessel stability. The Minister of Fisheries has now established working groups involving MFish, MNZ, industry and environmental groups, An Initial Position Paper on seabird mitigation methods for charged with establishing effective alternative measures to trawler and longline vessels was circulated by the Ministry mitigate the risk of seabird bycatch, including measures to of Fisheries (MFish) last year, in response to concerns over manage offal and discards. seabirds being caught or killed when attracted by the bait, offal or trimmings from fi shing vessels. For vessels larger than 28 metres, the measures will initially revolve around an extension of the existing Vessel Management The paper proposed a set of measures for mitigating seabird Plan regime to cover the discharge of offal and fi sh. bycatch, including retaining offal and fi sh during line setting and hauling on longline vessels and during shooting and For vessels smaller than 28 metres, regional workshops are hauling on trawl vessels. to be held to assess the risks involved and identify options to safely meet the targets set by the measures. A number of submissions were made to MFish in November 2007, raising concerns over the impact on safety the measures MNZ General Manager Maritime Safety Systems Sharyn could have, particularly in relation to the requirement to retain Forsyth says while MNZ understands the need to address the offal and fi sh on board during processing. issue of seabird bycatch, safety is always the highest priority. Potential safety issues arising from this included the impact on “Without an exemption process in place, the measures had the vessel stability, slippery decks and the lack of room on vessels potential to put fi shermen’s lives at risk.” under 28 metres. Sharyn says meetings with operators have shown they are very To overcome potential safety issues, MNZ recommended an happy to work with MFish to address issues arising out of the exemption clause be introduced into the Gazette Notice and fi shing industry. MFish agreed that this was necessary to ensure vessel and “We’re pleased to be working alongside MFish and the industry crew safety. towards an outcome that is good for fi shermen and seabirds.” 10

MNZ is taking the lead with the support of the river boarding and sledging industry to improve safety standards for the popular tourism activity.

Improving river safety Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is taking a lead to improve safety in river boarding and river sledging activities, with the development of safety guidelines and additional safety training for commercial operators.

River boarding, sledging, surfi ng or “hydro-speeding” involves Colin says it is good to see industry working with MNZ to raise participants riding a fl otation board down white-water rivers, safety standards. It was also pleasing to see the river boarding with commercial tourism operators running trips on several and river rafting communities coming together to share their New Zealand rivers. rescue knowledge. MNZ Safety Auditor Colin Sonneveld says the developments “River boarding and river sledging are a relatively under- are part of an industry-wide safety review that has been represented activity in New Zealand, but there have been undertaken following the investigation into the death of English commercial trips since 1989 on both islands. There are only a tourist Emily Jordan while river boarding on the Kawarau River few operators on each island and up until now there have not in Queenstown on 29 April 2008. been any formal guidelines, although each operation has had its own internal training system and operating plans. “As part of the review, safety guidelines are being developed in consultation with industry, including commercial operators “Tapping into the expertise held by the rafting industry – and guides, Tourism Industry Association, Qualmark and Water which is comparatively far more established – is a good way Safety New Zealand. The safety guidelines aim to improve to build up rescue knowledge and skills within the river safety for river boarding and river sledging operations, and help boarding community.” build consistency throughout the industry.” Colin says the draft safety guidelines have been circulated to industry and are currently being fi nalised. It is hoped they will River boarding – what is it? be in place by the end of 2008. Also known as river surfi ng and river sledging – and in Meanwhile, a river rescue training workshop facilitated by the Europe as “hydro-speeding” – river boarding participants New Zealand Rafting Association and sponsored by MNZ for don fl ippers, , aid and helmet and propel river boarding and sledging operators was held in Queenstown themselves down white water rivers, using their board or during November. sledge as a fl otation device. About 30 people took part in the workshop, which saw those In New Zealand, the boards used on larger volume South involved in the river boarding and sledging community gaining Island rivers are ocean wave-riding body boards. On valuable rescue training from some of the country’s top white shallower North Island rivers, sledges are used, which are water rafting experts. made of hard plastic. The course involved on-water, scenario-based training, similar The activity originated in Europe in the 1970s using hydro- to which the rafting association facilitates for its members speeds – a foam version of a sledge. on both north and south islands each year. However, the Commercial river boarding and sledging trips commenced workshop marked the fi rst time such large-scale training has in New Zealand in 1989, and there are operators currently been undertaken by the river boarding or sledging community. running these activities in Queenstown, Rotorua and Taranaki. 11

International role for MPRS manager As nations around the globe celebrated World Maritime Day recently, there was an added bonus for Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), with the appointment Nick Quinn to chair one of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) important technical working groups.

In a fi rst for New Zealand, Nick, who heads MNZ’s Marine Pollution Response Service (MPRS) in Te Atatu, was elected chair of the IMO’s Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response/ Hazardous Noxious Substances Technical Group. A previous Vice Chairman of this important working group, the group recognised Nick “as a great source of knowledge on issues related to oil spill preparedness and response and welcomed him in his new role as Chairman”. New Zealand has been an active member of the IMO since MPRS General Manager Nick Quinn has been elected chair of 1960 and is currently involved in various initiatives aimed at the IMO’s Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response/Hazardous reducing the global environmental impact of shipping activity. Noxious Substances Technical Working Group.

Conservation award nomination Puysegur radio upgrade Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is to upgrade Restoration work on Southland’s historic equipment at the Puysegur maritime Waipapa Point lighthouse has earned radio site located on Wednesday Peak in Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) nomination Fiordland National Park next year. for a conservation award. The Puysegur maritime site was commissioned in 1998, MNZ Lighthouse Engineer Jim Foye said the nomination, and the 2009 upgrade includes the radio equipment, linking made by the Southland Department of Conservation (DoC), equipment and antenna system. recognised the work that MNZ and the local community had put into preserving the lighthouse, which was subject to MNZ Engineer Jim Foye says the key drivers for the upgrade damage from vandals and extreme weather. are the age of the equipment and the opportunity to install more energy effi cient to improve the reliability of the site. “MNZ recognises the importance of the lighthouse to the local community and is continuing to work with agencies such as DoC, the Historic Places Trust and community groups to ensure the integrity of the structure is preserved.” Built in 1883 after the SS Tararua shipwreck claimed 131 lives, the lighthouse was manned until 1974, but is now run automatically.

MNZ has been nominated for a conservation award for its efforts alongside the Southland community to preserve the Waipapa Point An upgrade is planned for radio equipment at the Puysegur lighthouse. maritime radio site in Fiordland National Park next year. AIDS TO NAVIGATION

Boating education award The outstanding efforts of Invercargill safe boating educator Tom Sawyer have been recognised in an award presented by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ).

MNZ General Manager of Strategy and Communications, committed and hard-working people like Tom, this work is Lindsay Sturt, recently handed over the award during the continuing in every corner of the country from Invercargill to annual Coastguard Boating Education Awards in Auckland. Kaitaia. Well done Tom.” “The award is well-deserved and recognises the outstanding contribution Tom has made to recreational boating education in the far south,” Lindsay says. “Whenever there is a boat show in Invercargill, almost every visitor is approached and fi rmly ‘persuaded’ by Tom that they need to attend one of his coastguard education courses. Indeed, without his work over many, many years, the waters of Foveaux Strait would have exposed many boaties there to much higher risk.” Lindsay says Tom’s efforts do not stop with education in the classroom – as a captain on the Spirit of New Zealand, he teaches young people the practical skills of being at sea. “Tom’s reputation also extends from the helm to the galley, where he regularly prepares dinner for the 50 people on board. There is never a shortage of food on board with Tom, who always manages to ‘persuade’ the locals to ‘donate’ much of the produce that goes on board. “At Maritime New Zealand we know the importance of education and safety awareness and the part it plays in The outstanding efforts of Invercargill safe boating educator Tom Sawyer have been recognised in an award presented by MNZ. keeping people safe on the water. Through the efforts of

On behalf of everyone at Maritime Feedback New Zealand, we wish you all a very Your feedback and ideas on Safe Seas Clean Seas are Merry Christmas very welcome. and a safe and If you’d like a particular topic covered in our next edition, then please contact the publications team by email: Happy New Year! [email protected] or phone 0508 22 55 22.

From 1 January to 27 November 2008 MARITIME FATALITIES 2008 From 1 January to 27 November 2008, there were 21 fatalities – 21 eight in the commercial sector and 13 in the recreational sector.

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